Glencairn Primary School in Motherwell has marked its 120th anniversary with a day of celebration for pupils, parents and teachers – past and present.
The school was originally opened in August 1902 and was formally opened by Lord Hamilton of Dalzell, in the presence of members of the school board, members of the Parish Council and a representative gathering of the general public.
Glencairn head teacher Sarah Reilly said: “We organised this event as a celebration of the time that Glencairn has been here in the local community.
“Some P7 pupils read extracts from the first school logbook and described what life would have been like in the early days, right through the war years, and how the school embraced the Hearing Impairment Unit and the nursery to shape the way that we are today.
“In 1974, a group of children with a hearing impairment came from a school in Hamilton to integrate with their hearing peers in the dinner hall and playground. They were taught in three separate classes by Teachers of the Deaf.
“In 1984, a new head teacher took up post and decided that a total integration system was the only way to go to ensure that all children were fully included in the life of the school. We are very proud of our unique school and currently we have 14 deaf friends who are in classes from P2 to P7.
“Everyone enjoyed some tea and cake and a chance to share stories and to look at old photos and artefacts.”
Guest speaker and former church minister, Arthur Barrie who attended Glencairn the 1950s, entertained the audience with some funny stories of his mischief and tales of the teachers.
Attending the event on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council, Depute Provost Bob Burgess said: It was a real honour to have been asked to attend this celebration of Glencairn PS.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to Mrs Reilly and all the school staff for doing such a wonderful job in organising today’s celebrations.
“The school is well-known for its outstanding dedication in supporting its pupils, parents and carers and today is an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge what an important part the school has played over the last 120 years to the local community and I’m sure the school will continue to go from strength to strength in the future.”
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